WHAT AM I DOING TO SERVE GOD? Service is the Christian’s means of expressing his love and devotion to God, as God has expressed His love to those whom He saves by the gracious thing He has done. Christian service for God should be equally gracious. Some consider John 3:16 as the “theme verse” for the entire Bible. John 3:16 tells us of the love God has for us and the extent of that love — so great that He sacrificed His only Son on our behalf. John 3:16 teaches us that anyone who believes in Jesus Christ, God’s Son, will be saved. John 3:16 gives us the glorious hope of eternal life in heaven through the love of God and death of Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8 GW God saved you through faith as an act of kindness. You had nothing to do with it. Being saved is a gift from God. Titus 2:11-12 KJV For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Acts 15:11 KJV But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. OUR GOD CONTINUES TO SHOW US HIS LOVE FOR US. HOW DO YOU SHOW GOD THAT YOU LOVE HIM? THINK ABOUT IT. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PayPal.me/donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
FOOD FOR THOUGHT Galatians 1:8–9 Whoever tells you good news that is different from the Good News we gave you should be condemned to hell, even if he is one of us or an angel from heaven. 9 I’m now telling you again what we’ve told you in the past: If anyone tells you good news that is different from the Good News you received, that person should be condemned to hell. Ministers—False Teachers—Gospel, False: preachers of false gospels are accursed. This is a strong statement, but it is clearly understandable. The gospel is the means by which men are saved out of the grip of sin, death, and condemnation. Without the gospel no person is saved—no person can become acceptable to God—no person can inherit eternal life. Scripture is clear about the matter and warns all false teachers and all churches. a. The gospel is greater than the apostle Paul himself. This is a striking statement, for remember who Paul was: probably the most committed servant of God who has ever lived. He had ventured forth as a pioneer into the heathen areas of the world to reach people with the gospel of Christ, the good news that men could be delivered from sin and death and live forever. He loved the Galatians so much that he had risked all he was and had for their sake. To some Paul must have been a giant, and he must have been held ever so dear to their hearts. But note: Paul says that if he returned to them preaching any other gospel, he was to be accursed. The Galatians were not to receive him no matter how much they esteemed him: they were to reject him. The gospel in all its simplicity and purity was far more important than Paul himself. b. The gospel is greater than the angels from heaven. Even if an angel came from heaven and began to preach another gospel, he was to be rejected, for he too would be accursed. The glorious message of the gospel is far more important than even the angels in heaven. c. The gospel is greater than any man (v. 9). If any man preached any other gospel, he was to be accursed. The gospel is far more important than any man. d. The preachers of the false gospels shall suffer the judgment of a double curse. The word “anathema” means to be accursed, doomed to destruction, given over to eternal punishment, placed under the wrath of God. The idea is that of eternal death. This is clear from Paul’s use of the word elsewhere where he applies it to himself: “I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren.…” (Ro. 9:3). Paul was a Jew; he was saying that he loved his Jewish brothers so much that he would gladly suffer eternal punishment for their salvation (the very same love that Christ had demonstrated for all men). This is one of the most severe warnings in all of Scripture, and note to whom it is given: it is given to teachers, the false teachers. Lehman Strauss points out that every person who does not love the Lord Jesus Christ shall be accursed. How much more, then, shall the false teacher suffer at the hands of God’s eternal wrath. “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?… Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire” (Mt. 7:15–16, 19). “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Mt. 7:22–23). “But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation” (Mt. 23:13–14). “Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?” (Mt. 23:33). “But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption.… These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever” (2 Pe. 2:12, 17). “As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction” (2 Pe. 3:16). “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 Jn. 4:1). “Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD” (Je. 23:2). I HOPE YOU RECEIVED GREATLY FROM THIS QUICK STUDY. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PayPal.me/donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
NEW CREATION 2 Corinthians 5:17 Whoever is a believer in Christ is a new creation. The old way of living has disappeared. A new way of living has come into existence. New Creature—New Man—Regeneration: the message is one of regeneration, the making of a “new creature.” a. What does it mean for a man to become a “new creature”? Very simply, it means just what the Scripture says: the man actually becomes a new creature—his whole being, nature, life, and behavior changes: → Whereas a man was dead to God, as a new creature he becomes alive to God. → Whereas a man had no relationship with God, as a new creature he is given a relationship with God. → Whereas a man was not sure about God, as a new creature he is absolutely certain about God. → Whereas a man never fellowshipped and communed with God, as a new creature he fellowships and communes with God all the time. → Whereas a man was living in sin and immorality, as a new creature he lives in righteousness and holiness. → Whereas a man had to face death, as a new creature he never has to die. → Whereas a man was doomed to judgment and eternal separation from God, as a new creature he is destined to live eternally in the presence of God. b. How does a person become a new creature? Note the words of this Scripture: “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.” It is being “in Christ” that makes a person a new creature. When a person truly believes in Christ, God places and positions him in Christ, in all that Christ is. Christ lived and died and arose, so to be in Christ means that a person lives, dies, and arises in Christ. The person who believes in Jesus Christ is identified with Christ: that is, he is counted and considered to be “in Christ,” reckoned and credited as “in Christ.” Spelled out in a little more detail, when a person believes in Christ, God places and positions the believer “in” Christ. The believer’s faith actually causes God to identify the believer with Christ … • to count the believer as having lived in Christ when Christ lived upon earth. Therefore, the believer is counted sinless and righteous because Christ was sinless and righteous. • to count the believer as having died in Christ. Therefore, the believer never has to die (Jn. 3:16). The penalty and condemnation of his sins are already paid for in the death of Christ. • to count the believer as having been raised in Christ. Therefore, the believer has received the “new life” of Christ. Just as Christ had a new life after His resurrection, even so the believer receives the “new life” of Christ when he believes in Christ. (See outline and notes—Ro. 6:3–5. Also see DEEPER STUDY # 1, 2—Ro. 4:22; 5:1; 6:14–15.) To be in Christ means that a believer walks and lives in Christ day by day. It means that he does not “walk after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Ro. 8:1, 4). It means that “denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (Tit. 2:12). It means that he bears the fruit of the Spirit (Ga. 5:22–23). It means that he abides in Christ, that he becomes as connected and attached to Christ … • as members of the body are connected and attached to each other (1 Co. 12:12–27) • as the branch is connected and attached to the vine (Jn. 15:4–7) From this, it is clearly seen that a person who is “in Christ” is a new creature. This is what is meant by such Scriptural terms as being “born again” and becoming a “new man.” However, no better words describe the experience than the words of this verse: “old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” This is the message of the Christian ministry: a man can start life all over, no matter how corrupt he has become or how far down he has fallen. God longs to make a new creature out of him. “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (Jn. 3:3). “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Co. 5:17). “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness” (Ep. 4:22–24). “Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him” (Col. 3:9–10). “Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him” (1 Jn. 5:1). DID YOU FIND THIS QUICK STUDY TO BE HELPFUL? Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PayPal.me/donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
GOD IS OUR REFUGE, TRUST HIM. Psalms 62:5-8 GW Wait calmly for God alone, my soul, because my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my savior—my stronghold. I cannot be shaken. My salvation and my glory depend on God. God is the rock of my strength, my refuge. Trust him at all times, you people. Pour out your hearts in his presence. God is our refuge. Selah WE CAN TRUST GOD, GLORY!!! HALLELUJAH!!! PayPal.me/donatetochurch Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
WE WILL HARVEST WHAT WE PLANT Galatians 6:6-10 GW [6] The person who is taught God’s word should share all good things with his teacher. [7] Make no mistake about this: You can never make a fool out of God. Whatever you plant is what you’ll harvest. [8] If you plant in ⌞the soil of⌟ your corrupt nature, you will harvest destruction. But if you plant in ⌞the soil of⌟ your spiritual nature, you will harvest everlasting life. [9] We can’t allow ourselves to get tired of living the right way. Certainly, each of us will receive ⌞everlasting life⌟ at the proper time, if we don’t give up. [10] Whenever we have the opportunity, we have to do what is good for everyone, especially for the family of believers. LET US UNDERSTAND, AND NEVER FORGET WE WILL REAP WHAT WE SOW. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
GOD TEACHES US HOW TO CAUSE HIM TO WANT TO BLESS US. Proverbs 16:20 Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord. Psalm 34:8 Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Psalm 29:11 The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace. Jeremiah 17:7 ESV “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. Psalm 1:1 ESV Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; Proverbs 13:20-21 ESV Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Disaster pursues sinners, but the righteous are rewarded with good. Luke 11:28 ESV But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” ALLOW THESE VERSES TO BE A GUIDE UNTO YOUR LIFE. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PayPal.me/donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
IT IS NECESSARY TO MAKE THE RIGHT (GODLY) DECISIONS. Luke 9:62 Jesus said to him, “Whoever starts to plow and looks back is not fit for God’s kingdom.” Joshua 24:14–15 “Fear the LORD, and serve him with integrity and faithfulness. Get rid of the gods your ancestors served on the other side of the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve only the LORD. But if you don’t want to serve the LORD, then choose today whom you will serve. Even if you choose the gods your ancestors served on the other side of the Euphrates or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you live, my family and I will still serve the LORD.” 2 Chronicles 15:12 They made an agreement with one another to dedicate their lives to serving the LORD God of their ancestors with all their heart and soul. Nehemiah 10:29 They joined their relatives, the nobles, in binding themselves with a curse and an oath to follow God’s teachings given by Moses, God’s servant. They also bound themselves to follow all the commandments, rules, and regulations of the LORD our Lord. Exodus 32:26 he stood at the entrance to the camp and said, “If you’re on the LORD’s side, come over here to me!” Then all the Levites gathered around him. Numbers 32:12 Only Caleb (son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite) and Joshua (son of Nun) will get to see the land. This is because they wholeheartedly followed the LORD. Joshua 14:8–9 But my companions discouraged the people. However, I was completely loyal to the LORD my God. On that day Moses swore this oath: ‘The land your feet walked on will be a permanent inheritance for you and your descendants because you were completely loyal to the LORD my God.’ Isaiah 56:6 And ⸤I will remember⸥ the foreigners who have joined the LORD to worship him, to love the LORD’s name, and to be his servants. All of them will keep the day of rest—a holy day, from becoming unholy and will faithfully observe the conditions of my promise. Deuteronomy 6:5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. IF YOU ARE A CHILD OF GOD IT IS NECESSARY TO MAKE DECISIONS THAT SHOWS THAT YOU ARE WITH GOD. IF YOU ARE A CHILD OF GOD YOU ARE COMMANDED TO MAKE GODLY DECISIONS. ARE YOU WILLING TO MAKE GODLY DECISIONS? ARE YOU WILLING TO STAND STRONG FOR GOD? DO YOU STRIVE TO MAKE GODLY DECISIONS DAILY, OR ONLY WHEN IT IS COMFORTABLE FOR YOU, HELLO? CHECK YOURSELF. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
SHARING GOD’S WORD John 11:40 GW Jesus said to her, “Didn’t I tell you that if you believe, you would see God’s glory?” WE MUST HAVE FAITH IN GOD. OBEY, BELIEVE, AND RECEIVE!!! WATCH GOD MOVE ON YOUR BEHALF. John 14:23 ESV Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. TAKE A MOMENT TO THINK ABOUT THIS POWERFUL WORD FROM GOD. James 1:25 GW However, the person who continues to study God’s perfect laws that make people free and who remains committed to them will be blessed. People like that don’t merely listen and forget; they actually do what God’s laws say. IF YOU WILL STUDY GOD’S WORD, COMMITT TO GOD’S WORD, AND LIVE BY GOD’S WORD, YOU WILL BE BLESSED BY GOD. GOD AND I ARE ASKING YOU TO PLEASE SHARE THIS WORD WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS, THANK YOU. ALLOW THE WORD OF GOD TO BE A GUIDE UNTO YOUR LIFE. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
A WORD FROM GOD James 1:6-7 GW When you ask for something, don’t have any doubts. A person who has doubts is like a wave that is blown by the wind and tossed by the sea. A person who has doubts shouldn’t expect to receive anything from the Lord. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 ESV But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. ALLOW THESE VERSES TO BE A GUIDE UNTO YOUR LIFE. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PayPal.me/donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
GIVE GOD HIS THANKS 1 Chronicles 16:34 NIV Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. TAKE TIME TO GIVE GOD THANKS. HE IS SO GOOD TO US ALL THE TIME. GOD LOVES US. TAKE TIME TO THANK GOD FOR ALL THE GOOD HE HAS DONE, IS DOING, AND WILL DO IN YOUR LIFE. OUR GOD IS WORTHY OF PRAISE!!! THINK ABOUT HOW MUCH GOD DOES FOR US EVERYDAY. Everlastingsalvationchurchofgod.com PayPal.me/donatetochurch PASTOR ANDRA HIGGINBOTHAM
